2. Introduction

This reusable learning object (RLO) explains why the COVID-19 vaccine is important for individual and societal health.

Key message

A COVID-19 vaccine, when used with other public health measures, such as ventilation and air filtration , hand hygiene, physical distancing, face masks and financial support measures, is expected to reduce the significant burden of COVID-19. Some measures, such as physical distancing and face masks, become more important during times of high spread.

High vaccine uptake is important to control the spread of COVID-19.

Many factors influence vaccine uptake. These include sociodemographic and psychological factors.

For example, it is important that the vaccine is easy and convenient for people to get. Communication needs to be sensitive to the needs of local communities.